Child Life Philosophy

Erika K.N. Kobayashi

Growing up, I had this idea of who and what I wanted to be, all of which included being

happy. Little did I know, through all of my experiences, the ups and downs, the uncertainties and

convictions, I have found a profession that has encouraged me to be myself, allowed room for

personal growth, and explore my passion for providing positive experiences for hospitalized

children, my passion for Child Life. I believe in a childs capacity for love and enthusiasm that

makes the everyday experiences that much more rewarding. Children have the ability to see the

world differently; through the eyes of an innocent being that has not fully experienced life to the

fullest. This is an element to working with children that I value and respect the most.

Child life specialists use their knowledge of child development and appropriate

interventions to educate, prepare, and support children through various aspects of hospitalization,

including blood tests, difficult procedures, rehabilitations, and the overall uncertainty of an

illness of injury. Through all of this, specialists also support the family through drastic changes

and feelings that accompany hospitalization. They continue untiring efforts to recognize,

encourage, and evaluate coping strategies to help children and their families in their new

surroundings and present circumstances. Methods may not always work across the board with

every child, but with the proper educational tools and personal experiences, I feel prepared to

take on the challenges of change and modifying means to help children and their families cope

and continue successful strategies along their health journey.

Throughout my educational understandings and current experiences in child life, I have

found that family-centered care is essential to a positive hospital experience for both the child

and all involved. Now days, families are more diverse and involve more than just a father,
mother, and sibling. Because families are larger and vary from individual to individuals,

involving them in the hospitalization process is necessary and crucial for proper and appropriate

development. This may involve providing support and pertinent information to siblings, step-

parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, godparents, etc. As a sister of three younger half-

brothers, I have experienced emergency room visits and hospitalizations and understand all the

feelings of stress, powerlessness, and fear that accompany it. I feel these experiences and others

alike will help me in the field with continuous learning opportunities and personal development.

Furthermore, through my educational background, work history, and volunteer

experiences, I have been taught to respect the values and opinions of others, as well as learn from

them. Learning from others gives me a broader understanding and empathy because I can gain

more insight about their background and culture and be able to adhere to those values. As I

continue my education, I firmly believe in developing my passion as a child life student and look

forward to the endless opportunities in the field of Child Life.